For almost three quarters the Texans snoozed their way to deficits of 21-7 and 28-14 at Qualcomm Stadium but somebody provided some smelling salts at just the right time and they awakened to produce a magnificent 31-28 victory over the San Diego Chargers.

Randy Bullock’s 41-yard field goal with no time left on the clock sent a rowdy contingent of Texans fans into a frenzy and they continued to celebrate long after this terrific fourth quarter ended.

Bullock’s field goal was the only time the Texans led in a late game that was nationally televised by ESPN.

The victory was engineered by quarterback Matt Schaub who put on an extraordinary performance after his first pass was tipped and intercepted to set up a quick San Diego touchdown.

Schaub finished with 34-of-45 for 346 yards and three touchdowns. He ignited the comeback by collaborating with his favorite receiver Andre Johnson who caught 12 passes for 146 yards.

Tight end Owen Daniels caught two touchdown passes. Inside linebacker Brian Cushing intercepted Philip Rivers in the fourth quarter and returned it 13 yards for a touchdown that tied the score 28-28.

Obviously Cushing wasn’t weighted down by his new contract. His touchdown turned the stadium into a mausoleum and ignited the Texans to victory after their horrendous start.

The Texans’ defense was torched by Rivers for four touchdown passes. The fourth one staked the Chargers to the 28-7 lead in the third quarter.

At that point the Texans turned into a different team and they erupted for three touchdowns and a field goal to begin the season 1-0.

Not to be overlooked in the comeback was some outstanding punting by Shane Lechler one of the greatest in history. He kept the Chargers inside their 20 in the fourth quarter and the defense forced the three-and-out possessions that were so necessary to the rally.